Positives

• The animated video is engaging and connects the topic to students' own yards or gardens.
• The Points to Ponder help students solidify their understanding of the information.

Additional Prerequisites

• This is the beginning of the Uncover stage of the Project Hero Soil Quest. The prior two stages are called Introduction and Questions.
• Click on the book icon for links to additional resources. 
• There is an optional activity for students to investigate soil and compare to their initial findings in step two. Teachers can bring soil inside for this or take their students outside.
  

Differentiation

• Teachers can ask students to bring a soil sample from home or somewhere in the community to use for the "Up Close with Soil" investigation. 
• The Points to Ponder can be used for class discussion, small group conversation, or individual written reflection.
• Students can use this lesson or this video to further explore connections between soil and ecosystems.